Urban Water - Sustainable Water Management in Urban Space

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Today urban water management is not always fully integrated into the urban planning process. Urban water systems have been looked at mainly through a scientific angle which is why the project partners seeks to develop a more “holistic”, practical approach to the complex problems of surface and sewage water systems. Urban Water is led by Emschergenossenschaft, a German non-profit making organisation, and brings together 7 partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. The total cost of this project is €12.5 million. The objectives of this project are manifold. Through five different pilot projects in four different locations, the partnership will test methods to optimise the design of urban water systems thereby reducing sewage overflows and flooding risks and improving water quality. Apart from analysing the technical aspects of these investments, the partnership will also look at ways of developing effective organisational, financial and legal instruments to better integrate urban water systems into spatial planning processes and documents. The various facets of the project have been organised around nine Work Packages. Through transnational co-operation, the partners seek to improve understanding between planners and water managers, update relevant regulations to stimulate sound water management, exchange experience and raise knowledge and awareness to the needs and challenges of water in urban areas. The outcomes of the project will be transferred widely to experts and policy makers so as to have a direct influence on future policies.

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